Kaikōura Esplanade
The Esplanade
A seaside walkway in the town center, where pebble beaches back onto the snow-capped Kaikōura Ranges, the town's most photogenic view.
The Esplanade runs along the bay from the western edge of the town center out to the peninsula. It is lined with Norfolk pines, cafés, motels and surfers, and the beaches are black-gray pebbles. From June to October, the Kaikōura Ranges are snow-covered behind the sea, creating the classic Kaikōura photo. You can walk along it to the Encounter visitor center and the seaside children's playground, and in the evening you can watch seabirds returning to their roosts. Entry is free, and it is open at all times.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Swim with Dusky Dolphins (Dolphin Encounter)
- Albatross Encounter
- Kaikōura Museum
- Kaikoura Whale Watch
- Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
- South Bay
- Fyffe House
- Kaikōura Seafood BBQ